The Dallas Mavericks are embracing a new identity this season: one defined by size, defense, and interior dominance. After acquiring Anthony Davis in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade, the Mavericks have transformed from a perimeter-heavy team into one of the biggest and most physically imposing lineups in the NBA.
Among the players most impacted by this change is Dereck Lively II, the promising 7-foot-1 center entering his second season. Sharing the floor with Davis, who has long preferred playing power forward, has presented a new dynamic for both players. And according to Lively, it’s been nothing short of a joy.
“It’s just knowing when he’s out there on the perimeter, I’m backing him up. When I’m out there on the perimeter, he’s backing me up. So its just having each other, just just being on a tandem. If he’s on the left side of the floor guarding the ball, I’m backing him on the right side. I’m making sure everyone is in the correct spots, vice versa.”
“When I’m talking, he’s talking. Whenever he’s talking, I’m talking. We’re backing each other up.I’m trying to pick his brain on what sets he’s trying to get into, what spots he’s trying to get to, you know, help him get easy buckets, easy shots. While also everyone’s focused on him, I’m gonna get my easy shots.”
“So, we’re just learning, playing together, it’s been a lot of fun. We’re out there having fun. Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“We just can’t step on each other’s toes. I wouldn’t say it’s challenging, it’s just learning one another. We’ve had a whole summer, just growing together, learning how he wants to go. Now it’s just evolving that into a game. Things are not always going to go as you want it to go on the court. So, it’s just being as adaptive as you possibly can on the floor.”
The chemistry between Lively and Davis is already showing signs of promise. The two complement each other well, Davis’ mobility and ability to defend wings allows Lively to anchor the paint, while Lively’s rim protection gives Davis the freedom to switch and attack.
Davis’ arrival in Dallas has been a perfect fit for what he’s always wanted to play his natural position at the power forward spot. For years, the Lakers struggled to find a center who could allow Davis to stay out of constant physical battles under the rim. In Dallas, he now has not one, but two reliable centers in Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford, with Dwight Powell providing depth off the bench.
With Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington, and Klay Thompson filling out the starting lineup, the Mavericks can now field an enormous and versatile defensive unit, one that could smother opponents inside the paint.
The Mavericks’ new twin-tower approach won’t be flawless, but it’s already showing flashes of dominance. Davis and Lively bring size, communication, and rim protection that few teams can match and if the chemistry keeps growing, Dallas might just have found a frontcourt formula that can carry them deep into the playoffs.
